Things we noticed against Bournemouth

A first-half goal from Casemiro and further efforts from Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford ensured Erik ten Hag’s side earned another important three points in the Premier League, as United swept aside the south coast visitors.

All three players caught the eye, along with other returning Reds too. Read all about the key talking points from our clash with the Cherries below…

INTERCHANGING ATTACKERS

While United set up with Rashford on the left, Bruno Fernandes on the right and Donny van de Beek in the no.10 role behind Anthony Martial, the Reds’ front four were anything but rigid.

Often, Fernandes would pop up in the middle and on the left, while Martial and Rashford would swap on occasion too, keeping the Bournemouth defence guessing throughout.

This fluid attacking play is something that was very prominent in Ten Hag’s Ajax side, and his influence is becoming even clearer at United with every passing week.

CASEMIRO’S CONTINUED INFLUENCE

Casemiro’s defensive prowess is no secret but, since arriving at United, he has shown a knack for affecting matches in attacking areas too.

In our previous home match against Nottingham Forest, the Brazilian played a superb pass to Fred for our third goal of the match, and he expertly finished Christian Eriksen’s free-kick to give the Reds the lead against Bournemouth in this match.

What a signing he has been.

RETURN OF MAGUIRE AND LINDELOF

This match saw Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof partner one another at the heart of United’s defence, after both recovering from illness.

And despite their absence in previous fixtures, the duo showed few signs of rust against the Cherries.

Assured defensively, with commanding headers and well-timed tackles, the pair helped the Reds record a fourth consecutive clean sheet since the season’s restart and laid the foundations for another vital Premier League win.

It was noticeable that Maguire was on the right of the partnership, with Lindelof on the left.

SUPER LUKE SHAW

Shaw has rightly received plenty of plaudits in recent weeks for his performances at centre-back for United, as he has displayed his resilient defensive capabilities.

Against Bournemouth, Luke was reinstated to his natural left-back position, and highlighted the influence he can have in the opposition half too.

Just after the half-time break, Shaw started and finished a fluid attack all the way from the left-back position, eventually arriving in the box was there to finish clinically with his right foot. A great goal from a player bang in form.

DE GEA’S LANDMARK APPEARANCE

David De Gea made his 510th appearance for United this evening, and once again showed his importance to Ten Hag’s side.

With the Reds ahead by two goals just before the hour mark, Bournemouth started to hit back. First, Philip Billing had a header, which was clawed away expertly by De Gea.

Just moments later, David rolled back the years once more to produce another impressive reaction save to deny Jaidon Anthony when the winger was through one-on-one.

In injury time, the Spaniard was forced into action again, once again springing to his left to turn Anthony’s effort round the post.

RETURNING REDS

The second-half introductions of Diogo Dalot and Lisandro Martinez were the first time that we have seen the defenders on the Old Trafford pitch since the 2022 World Cup.

Dalot was introduced midway through the second period, while Martinez was brought on in the latter stages to see out the 3-0 win.

It was good to see both back out there in a United shirt.

MONTHLY NOMINEES NOTCH

Rashford’s goal in the 86th minute meant that our goalscoring trio versus Bournemouth were the three players who have been nominated for our Player of the Month award for December.

A good way to celebrate making the shortlist for Casemiro, Shaw and Rashford!